Clariant Demonstrates Pyrolysis Oil Upgrading Technology for Circular Plastics

Clariant has completed a collaborative pilot-scale project with polyolefins supplier Borealis, and Sintef, one of Europe's largest independent research organizations. that proved Clariant’s upgrading technology was capable of converting pyrolysis oil (pyoil) derived from plastic waste to steam cracker-compatible feedstock that fully meets cracker-grade quality specifications.

Using Clariant's proprietary HDMax catalysts, the pilot-scale testing conducted at Sintef’s research facility in Norway delivered excellent results, successfully transforming plastic waste-derived pyoil into high-quality feedstock suitable for virgin polyolefin production.

The HDMax catalyst achieved full conversion across all critical parameters: namely complete saturation of dienes without gum formation — a crucial requirement for downstream processing — along with complete conversion of contaminants like oxygenates, nitrogenates, and halogenides. All product quality specifications were met, validating the technology's readiness for industrial application.

"This successful collaboration proves that closed-loop plastic recycling can work effectively on an industrial scale," said Gene Mueller, VP and Head of Ethylene at Clariant Catalysts. "Our HDMax catalyst technology enables plastic waste to be converted back into feedstock that meets the stringent quality requirements of steam crackers, creating a true circular pathway for plastics.”

Industry-leading efficiency

A key differentiator of Clariant's HDMax technology is its ability to achieve all required specifications in a single multi-layer hydrotreating reactor, compared to alternative technologies that require three to four reactors. This streamlined process significantly reduces capital investment, operational complexity, and energy consumption. Additionally, the technology enables subsequent hydrocracking to produce naphtha-like hydrocarbon fractions, further enhancing process efficiency and product flexibility.